Mathews Citizens Voice Concerns About Systems

Waste-water Treatment Hot Topic

MATHEWS — There was a spirited exchange of views over the merits of individual waste-water treatment units Thursday night at a well-attended public hearing in the courthouse.

Those in favor of the systems stressed the housing opportunities they will provide for the county's young people, while opponents noted concerns about their environmental impact.

Judging by the applause from the audience of about 30 people, those in favor of the mechanical treatment units outnumbered those opposed to them.

The hearing, before the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission, was held to gauge sentiment toward proposals to regulate use of the units under the county zoning amendment and a separate measure to increase lot size requirements in certain zoning districts. The second proposal attracted little comment.

Zoning Administrator Philip S.T. "Ted" Costin said that because the single-dwelling treatment systems have been approved by the state Health Department, the county is powerless to deny or control their use without adopting regulations.

The proposal under discussion would allow use of the systems in areas not prone to flooding, provided a special exception permit is obtained from the Board of Supervisors. The proposal would also require regular inspection and maintenance.

The Planning Commission was expected to make a recommendation on the proposals, but had not voted as of presstime.

Speaking in favor of the systems was George Jarvis of Miles. "I come here on behalf of my son and the rest of the young people who want to build a home in Mathews County," he said.

Jarvis said that many young people, in particular blacks, are leaving the county because their families do not own land that "perks," or is suitable for a septic drain field.

"We don't own a whole lot of waterfront property that `perks,"' he said. "We own property that my grandfather had to struggle to buy. If the state lets us use it, why can't we use it? If we can't use the land, why should we have to pay taxes on it?"

George DeMarco, who owns a seafood business in Cobbs Creek opposed the systems, citing concern about the impact the water discharged from the units would have on on shell fish.

Morris Munger, who lives on Horn Harbor agreed. "Every such installation will create an additional point source of pollution," Munger said. "Do you, Mathews County, want such a contraption next to you? I don't."